National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has floated out Hull 484, the first of four Alaska Class, double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The ship will be finished dockside in preparation for delivery in June 2004.

The company also held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 485, the second double-hull oil tanker being constructed for BP. BP's Site Team Member Steve Huddart welded his initials into the keel to signify the start of construction. The second ship is scheduled to be delivered in November 2004, with subsequent ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006. The four ships are being constructed sequentially in NASSCO's 1,000-foot graving dock.

The design of the 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class will allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, WA.